Ylang Ylang Oil, Some Uses

Ylang Ylang oil (Cananga odorata genuina) is one of the hardest to pronounce because it isn’t a normal Western word. [ee-lahng-ee-lahng] The name means “flower of flowers”. It is also known as the “poor man’s Jasmine” because it has a lovely floral scent somewhat similar to Jasmine but much more affordable.

Ylang Ylang is often used as a stress reliever, as well as to calm the mind and soothe the nervous system. It is also known for its powerful aphrodisiac properties.

If you’ve never used it before and want to get some, I suggest you buy a 5 ml bottle first and try it out. Open the bottle and sniff. Give yourself some time with it. Also open up another oil and smell them together. And then try it out. Try it in a diffuser or on your shirt collar. Just don’t use it in too strong amounts at first because if it is too strong, it can cause nausea and headaches. Take it slow until you find what you like best. You can always add more drops later.

Combines well with

Uses

Put 1 drop Ylang Ylang with one drop of another favorite essential oil on your pillow case to give you something to help the mood at night.

You can add it and other oils of your choice to a bath. 3-5 drops, depending on how strong you want the scent. You can also add epsom salts or a cup of milk to the bath.

Add to a spray mister. Put 10 drops of Ylang Ylang by itself or with other oils in 8 ounces of water. Shake well before using and spray around the room to freshen your air.

Add 1 or 2 drops to an all natural shea hand lotion. (You can usually find those at an herbal store or online) Experiment with the amount of drops until you find what works best for you.

Some recipe’s

Here are a few recipes involving Ylang Ylang oil. To check for more, you can click on Ylang Ylang in the tagged section at the end of the article. That will show you all articles mentioning it.

*Please note: With any recipe’s involving bath or massage blends, always test on a small part of your skin first before using all over your body. Please be sure your skin can handle the blend before being covered in it

Sexy and Soothing

5 drops Ylang Ylang

4 drops Patchouli

6 drops Orange

Use in a bath or a diffuser. Add to 1 ounce F.C.O. for a massage oil. (2)

Calming Massage Blend

5 drops Ylang Ylang

5 drops Orange

5 drops Petitgrain

1 teablespoon F.C.O.

Massage the blend into the shoulders, back of neck and down the back. (9)

Low Sex Drive

5 drops Rose

3 drops Ylang Ylang

2 drops Jasmine

Vaporize the mixture in your bedroom, and blend it with F.C.O. for you and your partner to give each other a sensual massage. (1)

For Depression

3 drops Jasmine

3 drops Ylang Ylang

2 drops Clary Sage

1 tablespoon F.C.O.

Use as a full body massage. Also, sprinkle a few drops of formula without the F.C.O. on a 100% cotton cloth and carry around with you to help you get through the day. (1)

Other suggestions

Here are some suggestions from our RMO family members on facebook.

CF: “I LOVE Ylang Ylang! I use it for lots of things! I put it in a diffuser for the smell and I also use it as a moisturizer for my skin. Plus, it smells good so now there’s no need for perfume!”

MAD: “I use it in my perfume mix and my friend uses it in her raw sugar/coffee scrub.”

LJ: “I use it straight up! It opens hearts and minds, and takes away the simple troubles, the little annoyances. I love to mix it with Lavender, Grapefruit and/or Lime, sometimes a tiny bit of Jasmine in there too”

CDS: “Straight. Either in a diffuser, wrists, or straight sniff out of the bottle”

TPW: “I use it neat [undiluted]. One of hubby’s fav on me :)”

BAM: “I have a sensual blend I use as bath oil with Ylang Ylang, Jasmine, a little Patchouli, Palo Santo. Yummy!”

DSP: “I put a drop on a diffuser necklace and wear it while I’m at my stressful work as a respiratory therapist. Only I can smell it.”

LM: “I use Ylang Ylang for any vaginal problems. I first discovered it when I had painful intercourse for more than 6 months, and no specialist had a solution or could figure out what was even wrong with me – it apparently wasn’t any type of infection or yeast. I put 2 or 3 drops on a bit of coconut oil, and insert and the pain starts to disappear. Now I use it for any type of smelly discharge — it kicks that in the bud with one or two applications.”

We’d love to hear how you like to use it. Please share!

References

Natural Home Spa by Sian Rees

Seasons of Aromatherapy by Judith Fitzsimmons and Paula M. Bousquet

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Oils in Aromatherapy & Herbalism by Julia Lawless

Medical Aromatherapy: Healing with Essential Oils by Kurt Schnaubelt

The Art of Aromatherapy: The Healing and Beautifying Properties of the Essential Oils of Flowers and Herbs by Robert B. Tisserand

The Encyclopedia of Aromatherapy by Chrissie Wildwood

The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood

The Aromatherapy Bible: The Definitive Guide to Using Essential Oils by Gill Farrer-Halls

About JC Shannon

I am a writer. I was first introduced to this world of natural health in 2005 when I was asked to write an article about using essential oils. Since I like to know what I'm writing about before I do it, I immersed myself in the essential oil and aromatherapy world and found I prefer it. I never left it. In a quest to educate myself and others in more alternative and safer ways to make our world a better place, I am always looking for good information to share.

Disclaimer:

This information is provided for informational purposes only. It is not approved by the FDA nor is it provided in order to diagnose, prescribe or treat any disease, illness or injured condition of the body. Rocky Mountain Oils assumes no responsibility for such use. Anyone suffering from any disease, illness or injury should consult with a physician or health care provider.